Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), responded to a recent opinion piece critical of the budget, describing it as “misguided.”
The article, published in Kaieteur News on January 25, questioned the government’s approach to a “minimum threshold” for a decent life in Guyana, particularly in the context of the country being the world’s fastest-growing economy.
The editorial raised concerns about the budget’s perceived oversight of the immediate struggles faced by many Guyanese, especially those earning minimum wages or living in poverty.
However, Dr. Jagdeo dismissed the criticism, asserting that the author misunderstood the concept referenced by the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.
Dr. Jagdeo clarified that the ‘minimum threshold’ doesn’t involve cash transfers to the people through wage and salary increases.
Instead, he explained that it is a concept aimed at creating an environment beyond the minimum where every Guyanese can become wealthy through their own efforts.
In emphasizing the government’s commitment, Dr. Jagdeo stated that their efforts, policies, programs, and initiatives have been and will continue to be people-centered.
The PPP/C government presented its fifth national budget, a $1.146 trillion fiscal plan for 2024, making it the largest budget to date.
The response from Dr. Jagdeo highlights the ongoing dialogue and discussions surrounding economic policies and priorities in Guyana, reflecting the complexities of balancing development goals with immediate socioeconomic challenges.